cinchona lancifolia
Noun: 1. A species of tree: A specific type of tree native to Colombia, known scientifically as Cinchona lancifolia. It is notable for being a source of a specific type of cinchona bark, historically used for its medicinal properties.
This term is a highly specific botanical name. Its usage is almost exclusively found in scientific, historical, or specialized contexts related to botany, pharmacology, or the history of medicine. * It is used to identify this particular species of cinchona tree. * It is used when discussing the source of "Cartagena bark."
- Scientific Context:
- The study compared the quinine content in Cinchona lancifolia to that of other cinchona species.
- Botanists traveled to Colombia to observe Cinchona lancifolia in its native habitat.
- Historical/Pharmacological Context:
- In the 19th century, Cinchona lancifolia was an important source of antimalarial medication.
- Cartagena bark, derived from Cinchona lancifolia, was a valuable commodity.
- The name can be used metonymically to refer to the medicinal bark itself.
- The shipment contained not just any cinchona, but genuine Cinchona lancifolia.
- Cartagena bark (n): The dried bark of the tree, named after the port of Cartagena from which it was historically shipped.
- Cinchona (n): The genus of flowering plants in the coffee family, to which belongs. Other species include and .
- Quinine (n): A bitter alkaloid compound extracted from cinchona bark, used as an antimalarial drug.
- Botanical Name: Mutis.
- Source of Cartagena bark: This is a descriptive synonym rather than a true alternative name.
This term has a single, precise meaning as a botanical species identifier. Its significance stems from its historical role as a source of quinine, a crucial drug for treating malaria. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.
- Colombian tree; source of Cartagena bark (a cinchona bark)